First Capital Connect franchise threatened unless services improve (From Times Series)

First Capital Connect franchise threatened unless services improve

1:31pm Thursday 21st January 2010

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A BELEAGURED train operator has said it is doing “all we can to improve services” after a threat from the transport secretary about the future of their franchise.

Lord Adonis has said First Capital Connect, which runs the Thameslink line through Borehamwood and Radlett, needs to improve its services “very significantly and I will look at all options if they fail to do so”.

Thousands of commuters have been hit by more than two months of disruption as drivers held a work-to-rule dispute with the operator, whose franchise is due for consideration in 2012.

Last week snow also saw many services cancelled as ice caused severe disruption to some carriages.

A full timetable was due to operate from yesterday after drivers agreed a pay deal, although passengers reported several delays and cancellations on the line.

Gareth Beazant, a spokesman for the company, said: “We take our franchise commitments extremely seriously and are committed to giving our customers the good service they deserve.

“We are working closely with the Department for Transport on our service improvement plans and have been running a normal service from Monday on the Thameslink route.

“We understand passengers' frustration and are doing all we can to improve services as quickly as possible.”